GM in search of ways to boost output for pickups

General Motors is “forced” to find a partnership that might take over some of its commercial van production so the automaker could build more pickups.

Very good signs for the automotive industry, as more carmakers are announcing the increasing of their production capacity to meet demand. A strong demand for GM’s Colorado and Canyon pickups has made the automaker to find ways to boost the output. According to Automotive News, in a letter to workers at GM’s Wentzville assembly line in Missouri, plant officials said the company is taking into consideration a partnership with Indiana-based AM General to take over assembly of cutaway models of the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana cargo vans. “The truck and van continue strong sales,” the note says. “This potential partnership would free up production capacity and allow the organization to capitalize on our ability to build midsize trucks to further satisfy customer demand.”

If so, it is not the first time year when AM General takes over production from carmakers, as in august it started production at Mishawaka, Indiana, plant of the Mercedes R-Class model, for Mercedes to free up the output for other cars. The demand for Colorado and Canyon pickups is higher than analyst has predicted, and have been among the industry’s fastest-selling vehicles this year, with a projection of nearly 120,000 in sales this year compared with industry forecasts of around 80,000. To keep up with the demand, GM employed more workers and also added a third shift, with employees working over weekend as well.